If you’ve been in any academic or corporate environment, you’ve definitely heard of LinkedIn. If you’re as unlucky as I am, you’ve probably been asked for it more times than you can count. Seriously, have you ever befriended someone who asked for your LinkedIn? The networking site has become a social obsession, and borderline addiction, for many college students.
Although people try to avoid it, I firmly believe that LinkedIn is just like other social media platforms. In the sense that they are highlight reels of the “best” part of our lives. In college, I find that we are constantly trying to gain opportunities and experience; basically, aiming to do whatever we can to succeed, and all of it is posted on LinkedIn.
How could you be addicted? Isn’t LinkedIn boring?
Many people I’ve met are addicted to using it as a form of productivity or connections. During one of my classes, I mentioned that I’ve found myself doom-scrolling on LinkedIn, sometimes for upwards of 20 minutes. I wasn’t alone in this predicament. Turns out, many others were in my same situation: substituting scrolling on TikTok for LinkedIn because it feels “more productive.” I was a little thrown off by this.
While we’re at it, I need to mention that I’m not a LinkedIn influencer wannabe. I don’t think I’ve ever posted to LinkedIn, and don’t think I ever will. My addiction, however, lies in the fact that I’m usually staring at either my profile or someone else’s. I think being in college, you are constantly hearing about others’ endeavors, and it makes you question whether you’re doing enough, at least that’s how it’s been in my case. I just keep finding myself looking at other people’s profiles and thinking the following: “damn, that’s cool,” and “I should do that.”Â
Of course, doom-scrolling has downsides. Getting on the app and seeing yet another person land an internship while you’re on your 300th internship application can be extremely discouraging, especially when you’re feeling behind. Similar to Instagram and TikTok, it’s all glorified versions of people’s real lives. Plus, the number of people who got a head start because of connections will blow your mind. Seriously, I have to keep reminding myself that the reason why I couldn’t do research as a 15-year-old wasn’t that I wasn’t smart enough, but because my parents weren’t doctors who could set me up with researchers.
Recovery
While reflecting on my experience, I’ve made an effort to delete the app from my phone and to focus on myself. I’ve also had to remind myself that your occupations do not define you. Of course, rejections are pretty devastating, but reminding yourself that they’re normal is also crucial. Similar to other social media platforms, we must reiterate that they are highlight reels and nothing more. You should never let social media make or break how you live your life. Daily affirmations and moving forward are how we strive to succeed.Â
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